Sterile encapsulated endoscopic video monitor

ABSTRACT

A sterile enclosure is provided having a body portion for encapsulating one or more video monitors used for viewing one or more surgical areas in a sterile operating field. The enclosure may be flexible or rigid and have one or more cable drapes extending from the body to cover one or more cables associated with the video monitor. In some embodiments, the body is flexible. In another embodiment, the body is rigid. The body is transparent in at least an area for viewing the screen of the video monitor and is substantially impervious to liquid and gas. A vacuum line may be connected to the body portion to evacuate air therefrom. An air vent filter may be used in conjunction with the vacuum line to allow air to flow through the sterile enclosure thus cooling the video monitor therein.

This invention is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No.08/678,811, filed Jul. 12, 1996 and entitled "Sterile EncapsulatedEndoscopic Video Monitor.", now U.S. Pat. No. 5,812,188.

TECHNECAL FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus and method which provides avisual display of a surgical site and more particularly to a sterileencapsulated endoscopic video monitor and method used in conjunctionwith an endoscopic camera and instrument to provide an image of asurgical area within the sterile field of an operating room.

BACKGROUND ART

Endoscopic procedures have become the standard in modern medicine forconducting surgical procedures which are minimally invasive. Prior tothe development of endoscopic procedures, surgery required direct visualaccess to the surgical area which oftentimes resulted in extreme traumato the patient due to large incisions and the like. With the developmentof endoscopic instruments which include video cameras that can transmitan image of the surgical site to a video display, surgical procedurescan be conducted in a less invasive manner. Although endoscopicprocedures represent a great leap forward in terms of minimizing patienttrauma, endoscopic procedures using video displays have also resulted innew problems.

One prerequisite for successful endoscopic procedures is that thesurgeon must be skilled with the use of the endoscope so that theendoscope itself does not cause unnecessary damage to the patient'stissues. In most endoscopic procedures conducted today, the surgeon mayview a standard television (TV) monitor or video screen which displaysan image of the surgical site as photographed by a video camerapositioned within or adjacent the endoscopic instrument. One problemcreated by the use of endoscopes with integral video cameras is that thesurgeon must be able to precisely manipulate the endoscope within thepatient's body while looking away from the patient and toward the remoteTV monitor. Since the standard TV monitor must be placed at a locationsubstantially remote from the patient's body, surgeons have had todevelop particular dexterity and skill in ensuring that the endoscopedoes not unintentionally damage body tissues during the surgicalprocedure.

Another problem associated with endoscopic procedures utilizing TVmonitors or video screens is that the surgeon is dependent upon anotherperson to control the exact type of image displayed on the TV monitor.More particularly, the surgeon may be able to adjust the focus of theimage by a dial located upon the endoscope; however, neither theendoscope nor the camera attached to the endoscope have controls to varythe brightness, contrast or magnification of the image. Accordingly, thesurgeon must direct operating room personnel to adjust the visualdisplay as desired.

Another problem associated with the advent of endoscopic proceduresutilizing video equipment is that since additional equipment is broughtinto the operating room, there is a concern for preventing contaminationby the equipment of the sterile field of the operating room. Since TVmonitors and other electronic equipment tend to naturally induce orcreate an electric charge, dust containing microbes tends to collect onthis equipment wherein such microbes can then be transmitted to thesterile operating field of the operating room. It has been found that asurgeon placing his hand near a TV monitor displaying an image of thesurgical area can attract undesirable microbes via the differential inelectrostatic charge between the surgeon's hand and the TV or monitorscreen.

Additionally, standard TV monitors and their associated controls aretypically large and heavy and difficult to manipulate within theoperating room. Accordingly, this equipment cannot be placed directlyadjacent to the patient to enhance the surgeon's ability to manipulatethe endoscopic instrument in a visually aligned position.

Each of the above-identified disadvantages of current endoscopicprocedures utilizing standard video equipment is overcome by theinvention claimed herein.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a sterile encapsulated endoscopicvideo monitor and method are provided. According to the first embodimentof the invention, a sterile enclosure is provided for encapsulating avideo monitor or monitor module. As used herein, the term "videomonitor" refers to all devices which can provide a visual image toinclude standard TV monitors and monitor modules which are much lighterin weight than TV monitors and which have much smaller profiles in termsof depth or thickness. Examples of monitor modules available are thosemanufactured Sony, known as "LCD Monitor Modules," which haveparticularly thin bodies and are lightweight. For example, Model No.SCU-2092, manufactured by Sony, is a chassis-type LCD monitor modulehaving a 58 mm depth and weighing less 2,000 gms. In addition to Sony,there are other manufacturers of similar monitor modules in terms ofweight and depth or thickness such as Texas Instruments, Xerox andSharp. For each of these monitor modules, they are self-contained unitsin that the monitor modules require, at most, a single communicationcable, which communicates with a video camera and a power cable. Somemanufacturers make monitor modules which require no communication orpower cables and communicate with a video camera system by means ofinfrared, radio or other electromagnetic signals. Also, these monitormodules may be powered by their own internal power source. Thus, itshall be understood that the monitor modules described herein do notnecessarily require any communication cables or power cables in order toproduce an image of the surgical site. The sterile enclosure includes aflexible body which is adaptable to receive video monitors or monitormodules of varying shapes and sizes. The open proximal end of thesterile enclosure may be sealed for completely enclosing the monitormodule therein. One or more ports may be formed on the flexible body ofthe sterile enclosure enabling cables or other communication structuresto exit the sterile enclosure for communication with other videoequipment within the operating room. A corresponding cable drape isprovided at each of the ports to ensure that any cables which may exitthe sterile enclosure are isolated from the sterile field of theoperating room. The sterile enclosure may be made of a homogeneousmaterial which is substantially transparent so that the monitor screenof the monitor module may be easily viewed during a surgical procedurein a sterile encapsulated state. Alternatively, a separate windowportion may be formed on the sterile enclosure which is made of adifferent material than the flexible body portion and which enhances theability to view the monitor screen of the monitor module. For example,the sterile enclosure may be made of styrene, polycarbonate, orpolyethylene and the window portion may be made of acrylic. The sterileenclosure is substantially liquid and gas impermeable to preventcontaminants from the encapsulated monitor module migrating into thesterile field of the operating room.

A vacuum port may be formed on the flexible body of the sterileenclosure and which communicates with a source of vacuum external to themonitor module for pulling a vacuum on the interior open space withinthe sterile enclosure which covers the monitor module and associatedcable(s).

By pulling a vacuum on the interior open space, the sterile enclosure ofthe embodiments having a flexible body may be tightly fitted over themonitor module and its associated cables. Accordingly, the sterileenclosure when so tightly fitted will have less of a chance of beingripped or torn because of loose or protruding portions which otherwisemight get caught on other equipment within the operating room.Additionally, a tightly fitted sterile enclosure ensures that the videoscreen of the video monitor is not unnecessarily distorted by folds orother irregularities in the sterile enclosure.

Some video monitors may produce an excessive amount of heat when usedover long continuous periods of time. To alleviate this problem ofoverheating, the sterile enclosure may include one or more air ventfilters which allow air to enter the drape in order to cool the interioropen space within the sterile enclosure. This air vent filter works inconjunction with the source of vacuum so that the sterile enclosure maystill be tightly fitted over the video monitor by allowing the airwithin the interior open space to be removed at a rate higher than theair introduced through the air vent filter. The air vent filter alsofunctions similar to a check valve in that once air has been pulled intothe interior open space within the sterile enclosure, liquids andmicroorganisms are not allowed to escape back through the air ventfilter. Since the interior open space within the sterile enclosure isunsterile, allowing material to exit through the air vent filter couldotherwise contaminate the sterile field which surrounds the exterior ofthe sterile enclosure. Furthermore, the air vent filter may be of a typethat prevents any liquids from entering the air vent filter which mightdamage the electronic components of the video monitor. As furtherdiscussed below, an air vent filter can be utilized in any of theembodiments disclosed herein. Preferably, there is an air vent filterlocated at opposing ends of the sterile enclosure which helps to ensureeven cooling of the video monitor. The vacuum line may then bepositioned at a third location which substantially opposes the pair ofair vent filters. It shall be clearly understood that while the use oftwo air vent filters is advantageous in some situations, the use of onlyone or more than two air vent filters may be used to cool the videomonitor. Additionally, the size of the air vent filter(s) may beincreased or decreased to further accommodate the required amount of airthat is needed to flow through the interior open space of the sterileenclosure.

In another embodiment, the sterile endoscopic encapsulated video monitorof this invention may include a rigid or semi-rigid monitor module framewhich encloses the video monitor or monitor module therein. The monitormodule frame may be a unitary piece formed by injection molding, or themonitor module frame may be constructed of two pieces of material thatjoin together at a sealed interface. A sealing material such as acrylicor the like may then completely cover the monitor module frame and theexposed monitor screen of the monitor module. Accordingly, the sealingmaterial provides a gas and liquid impervious encasement for the monitormodule held within the monitor module frame. In one variation of thisembodiment, the monitor module frame itself may be gas and liquidimpervious and include an integral transparent cover forming a windowportion that is positioned over the monitor screen of the monitormodule. In this variation, no sealing material is required because themonitor module frame and transparent cover completely encapsulates themonitor module therein. A cable drape may be sealed to the monitormodule frame enabling communication cables and the like to exit thesealed monitor module.

The monitor module frame may be sterilized by soaking it in adisinfecting solution or may be gas sterilized. Since the monitor moduleframe may be completely sterilized, a monitor module housed within themonitor module frame may be used a number of times without having toplace the monitor module in a new monitor module frame. Thissterilizable feature of the monitor module housed within the monitormodule frame greatly enhances the ease in which a visual display of asurgical area can be provided within close proximity of the surgeon.

In another embodiment, a standard laptop computer may be used inconjunction with the sterile enclosure. In this embodiment, separateports are formed on the flexible body of the sterile enclosure forenabling a vacuum to be pulled on the interior open space of the sterileenclosure covering the laptop computer and another port for handling anycables which may communicate with other video equipment within theoperating room.

In yet another embodiment, at least two or more video monitors ormonitor modules may be housed within a single sterile enclosure whichallows a surgeon to view a number of surgical sites simultaneously or toview the same surgical site from a number of different viewpoints. Somesurgical procedures may require a surgeon to have more than one view ofa particular surgical area. In other circumstances, a surgeon may beconducting surgical procedures on remote locations of the patient'sbody. In either case, the ability for a surgeon to view separatesurgical sites or the same surgical site from different viewpoints cangreatly increase the safety and efficiency of the overall surgicalprocedure. Accordingly, this embodiment provides a sterile enclosurehaving a plurality of transparent covers formed on the single sterileenclosure. The screen of each monitor module may be viewed through thetransparent covers.

Depending upon the type of video monitor or monitor module used, asurgeon may manipulate the image shown on the monitor screen by eithertouch screen controls which are activated by touching the monitor screenor by a plurality of membrane switches which are separately formed onthe monitor module frame and wired so that they may control the imageshown on the monitor module.

As for the first and second embodiments, again depending upon the typeof video monitor or monitor module used, control of the image shown onthe monitor screen may be achieved either by touch screen features or bymembrane switches or keypads which are manufactured as part of the videomonitor or monitor module.

In operation, the sealed video monitor or monitor module is placeddirectly on the patient or directly adjacent to the patient at alocation in which surgery is being performed. By the use of lightweightand compact monitor modules which can be easily maintained in a sterilestate by use of the sterile enclosure or sealing material, a video imageof the surgical area can be provided to a surgeon in an aligned positionwith respect to the surgical area. This position can be along thesurgeon's normal line of vision to minimize fatigue and discomfort.

Additional advantages of this invention will become apparent from thedescription that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the sterileencapsulated endoscopic video monitor of this invention;

FIG. 1a is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along line 1a of FIG.1, illustrating the positioning of a monitor module mounted in a monitormodule frame and covered by a sterile enclosure.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to FIG. 1, showing asterile enclosure having a transparent cover defining a window portionadapted to correspond with a particular type of monitor module, andfurther showing a vacuum line and an air vent filter for allowingcooling of the interior open space within the sterile enclosure whichmay become heated by the monitor module.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sterileencapsulated endoscopic video monitor and method of this inventionillustrating the monitor module frame as a unitary piece with membraneswitches located thereon;

FIG. 3a is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along line 3a of FIG.3, illustrating the relationship of the monitor module housed within theunitary piece monitor module frame;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the second embodiment of thisinvention illustrating the monitor module frame of two-piececonstruction with touch screen controls located on the monitor screen ofthe monitor module which can be activated through a sealing materialcovering the monitor module frame and further illustrating an air ventfilter and vacuum line for cooling purposes;

FIG. 4a is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along line 4a of FIG.4, illustrating the relationship of the monitor module housed within themonitor module frame and encapsulated in the sealing material;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the sterileencapsulated endoscopic video monitor of this invention illustrating astandard laptop computer sealed within a sterile enclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the sterileencapsulated endoscopic video monitor of this invention showing twoindependent monitor modules encapsulated within the sterile enclosurewhich includes a pair of transparent covers defining correspondingwindow portions;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sterile enclosure prior to inserting amonitor module therein; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sterile encapsulated endoscopicvideo monitor of this invention as it is being used in a surgicalprocedure.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

According to the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1, 1a and 2, thesterile encapsulated endoscopic video monitor of this invention 10includes a video monitor or monitor module 30 which is placed inside asterile enclosure 12. The sterile enclosure 12 includes a flexible body13 which may conform to the particular shape of the monitor module used.The sterile enclosure 12 is defined by a closed distal end 14 and anopen proximal end 16 which receives a monitor module 30. An enclosureseal 18 lies adjacent the proximal end 16 to completely seal the monitormodule 30 inside the sterile enclosure 12 thus isolating the monitormodule 30 from the sterile field of the operating room. Enclosure seal18 may be adhesive tape or another appropriate sealing means. Ingeneral, the sterile field of the operating room is situated around thebody of the patient P. The sterile enclosure 12 may be made of asubstantially transparent and liquid and gas impermeable material suchas polyurethane, polyolefins, laminated plastic films or the like.Optionally, an integral transparent cover defining a window portion 19may be formed along a cut-out portion of the flexible body 13 so thatthe window portion enhances the ability to view the monitor screenwithin the sterile enclosure 12. The window portion 19 may be made of anoptically clear material such as acrylic or polycarbonate and, ifdesired, may be more rigid than enclosure 12. The window portion 19 iscompletely sealed with respect to the flexible body 13 so thatcontamination cannot exit the interior open space within the sterileenclosure 12 into the sterile field. A cable port 20 may be formed onthe distal end 14 of the sterile enclosure 12 to accommodate the exit ofa communication cable 34 which may connect to the monitor module 30.Accordingly, a cable drape 22 is provided to completely seal cable 34from the sterile field. As shown in FIG. 1a, the monitor module 30includes a monitor screen 32 which is positioned adjacent the windowportion 19. Additionally, window portion 19 may be sized to fit theparticular type of monitor screen 32 of the monitor module 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, a vacuum port 24 may be provided on the sterileenclosure 12 and placed in communication with a vacuum line 26 connectedto an external source of vacuum so that the sterile enclosure may betightly held against the monitor module 30. By drawing a vacuum upon theinterior open space within the sterile enclosure 12, distortion of animage may be minimized by undulations or folds in the window portion 19.Additionally, the sterile enclosure 12 is less likely to be torn orripped if held tightly against the monitor module.

FIG. 2 also illustrates the use of an air vent filter comprising an airvent filter body 15 and an air vent filter element 17. An opening may beformed in the flexible body 13 of the sterile enclosure 12, and the airvent filter may be heat sealed in airtight and watertight relationshipto the flexible body 13. The air vent filter is used to allow air toenter the interior open space within the sterile enclosure which maybecome overheated by the monitor module. Most monitor modules have verylow power requirements and, accordingly, produce very little heat.However, for continuous and extended periods of use, it may be desirableto cool the monitor module. The air vent filter allows air to enter theinterior open space, but prevents contaminants such as liquid andmicroorganisms from exiting the air vent filter since the interior openspace within the sterile enclosure is not sterile and escapingcontaminants could contaminate the sterile field. Additionally, the airvent filter can prevent liquids from entering the interior open spacethrough the air vent filter which could otherwise damage the electroniccomponents of the monitor module. The air vent filter works inconjunction with the vacuum line 26 in that the sterile enclosure 12 maystill be held tightly against the monitor module by evacuating air at arate higher than air enters the interior open space. The size or numberof air vent filters may be modified to provide the desired coolingeffect. One commercially available example of an air vent filter isthose air vent filters manufactured by Performance Systematix, Inc. ofCaledonia, Mich. These particular air vent filters have hydrophobicfilter media which allow free air passage while blocking liquids.Additionally, the hydrophobic filter media allows particle bacteriaremoval.

Referring back ty FIG. 1a, a monitor module frame 36 may be provided tohelp stabilize the monitor module 30 within the sterile enclosure 12.Oftentimes, a monitor module 30 may have a particularly sharp edgewhich, if exposed, may inadvertently rip or tear the sterile enclosure12. As shown, the monitor module frame 36 may include an upperperipheral portion 37 extending around the peripheral edges of themonitor module 30 and a lower portion 38 which covers the back side ofthe monitor module. FIG. 2 illustrates a monitor module which does nothave sharp edges that could present a danger of ripping or puncturingthe sterile enclosure 12 and which is placed directly in a sterileenclosure without a monitor module frame.

According to a second embodiment of the sterile encapsulated endoscopicvideo monitor of this invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3a, a unitarypiece monitor module frame 40 is provided for housing a video monitor ormonitor module 50 therein. The frame 40 includes a transparent coverdefining an integral window portion 41 which is aligned with the monitorscreen 54 of the monitor module 50. Monitor module 50 is encapsulatedwithin the frame 40 during the formation of frame 40 which is achieved,for example, by injection molding then attaching and sealing the windowportion 41 thereto. According to one variation of the second embodiment,as shown in FIG. 4, a clamshell type monitor module frame 40 includes anupper portion 42 and a lower portion 44 which houses the monitor module50 therein. A sealed interface 46 defines the connection of the upperportion 42 to the lower portion 44. As best seen in FIG. 4a, monitormodule 50 is completely encapsulated within a sealing material 59 suchas acrylic so that the monitor module is isolated from the sterile fieldof the operating room. As shown, the upper portion 42 of the monitormodule frame 40 has an opening which corresponds in size and shape tothe monitor screen 54. Conveniently, the sealing material 59 directlycontacts the monitor screen 54 and is transparent at least over theopening to permit viewing of the monitor screen 54.

As seen in FIG. 3, external membranes switches 52 may be positioned onthe monitor module frame 40. These switches may be wired with thecontrols of the monitor module to directly control the visual imagesdisplayed on the monitor screen 54.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, touch screen switches 56 may beutilized so that control of an image on the monitor screen 54 isachieved by simply touching the sealing material 59 covering the monitorscreen 54 at the appropriate location. As shown in both FIGS. 3 and 4,the monitor module may include a monitor module cable 58 which must alsobe isolated from the sterile field. Accordingly, a cable port 47 allowsthe cable 58 to exit the monitor module frame and is completely coveredby cable drape 48 which is sealed against the monitor module frame 40.

Although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a monitor module including a cable 58,monitor modules are manufactured which do not require external cablesfor power or communication and can communicate with a video camera viainfrared, radio or other electromagnetic waves.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the use of an air vent filter which is formed onthe lower portion 44 of the monitor module frame 40. The air vent filterelement 17 extends through and is attached to sealing material 59 inairtight and watertight sealing relationship.

As shown in FIG. 5, in a third embodiment, the encapsulated videomonitor of this invention may be in the form of a standard laptopcomputer 60 that is encapsulated within a sterile enclosure 12a similarto the sterile enclosure 12 of the first embodiment. As shown, thelaptop computer 60 includes a laptop computer screen 62 which, when inthe unfolded position, is exposed for viewing. A communications cable 64may attach to the laptop computer 60. Sterile enclosure 12a comprises aflexible body 13a which is substantially transparent so that a surgeonmay view both the keyboard and controls of the laptop computer 60 andthe laptop computer screen 62. When inserted into the sterile enclosure12a, the keyboard of the laptop computer 60 lies adjacent the closeddistal end 14a of the sterile enclosure 12a. The open proximal end 16aof the sterile enclosure 12a may be appropriately sealed from thesurrounding environment by rolling the distal end and then securing itto the flexible body 13a by means of tape or adhesive 18a. Cable drape22a extends away from the sterile enclosure 12a and completelyencapsulates the cable 64 therein. As with the first embodiment shown inFIG. 2, a vacuum port 24a and vacuum line 26a are provided to hold thesterile enclosure 12a tightly against the laptop computer 60.

Yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, is provided wherein a pairof side-by-side video monitors or monitor modules 30 may be placedwithin a single sterile enclosure 70. In some surgical procedures, itmay be necessary to operate on the patient at two remote locationswithin the patient's body. Accordingly, it may be necessary tosimultaneously view the two surgical sites. Also, it may be required tohave two different views of the same surgical site which can beaccommodated by viewing two monitor modules communicating withrespective endoscope and camera setups. More particularly, sterileenclosure 70 includes a flexible body 72 bounded by a closed distal end74 and open proximal end 76 which is sealed as by rolling it and sealingit to the flexible body 72 as by tape or adhesive 78. A single cableport 80 can accommodate any cables 34 from the pair of monitor modulesencapsulated within the sterile enclosure 70. Accordingly, cable drape82 attaches to flexible body 72 and covers the cable(s) 34 anappropriate length. Alternatively, as shown, a separate cable port 80and drape 82 may be provided for each of the cables 34 of the monitormodules 30. A vacuum port 84 may be formed on the flexible body 72 inorder that vacuum line 86 can communicate with a source of vacuum (notshown) so that a vacuum may be drawn on interior open space within thesterile enclosure 70. A first window portion 87 is aligned with themonitor screen of one of the monitor modules encapsulated within thesterile enclosure 70 and a second window portion 88 aligns with theother monitor module screen.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 also illustrates the use of an air vent filtercomprising an air vent filter body 75 which houses the air vent filterelement 77.

The use of the sterile encapsulated endoscopic video monitor 10 can bestbe seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. Prior to inserting a video monitor or monitormodule within the sterile enclosure 12, the sterile enclosure 12 comesconfigured such that the open proximal end 16 includes a cuff portion 28comprising a plurality of accordion folds 29. In order to ensure thatsterility is maintained while inserting the unsterile monitor modulewithin the sterile enclosure 12, a sterile nurse will position his/herhands between the flexible body 13 and the first fold of accordion folds29. Then another nurse will place the monitor module within the sterileenclosure 12 by first routing any monitor module cables 34 through thecable port 20 and into the cable drape 22, and then continue to move themonitor module 30 so that it is entirely encapsulated within the sterileenclosure 12. Next, the sterile nurse will unfold the accordion folds 29located at the open proximal end 16 of the sterile enclosure 12 and willroll fold the open proximal end 16 in order to isolate the monitormodule from the outside environment. An appropriate tape or adhesive 18may be placed over the rolled distal end of the sterile enclosure 12providing an enclosure seal. As shown in FIG. 8, once the monitor moduleis encapsulated within the sterile enclosure, the video monitor may beplaced on or adjacent to a patient P as by adhesive tape A or anappropriate support stand (not shown) in a visually aligned positionwith respect to the surgeon's line of vision and the surgical area(s) orsite(s). A drape D is placed over the proximal end of the endoscope andover the video camera C which connects to the endoscope E. Video signalsare sent directly to the video monitor via monitor cable 34. In thesurgical procedure being conducted, the surgeon S is standing toward thefoot of the operating table T and observes the video monitor 10 in avisually aligned position with respect to the endoscope E which isinserted into the incision I. Because of the proximity of the videomonitor 10 with respect to both the surgeon S and the surgical site, thesurgeon may manipulate the image produced on the video monitor 10without having to turn away from the surgical site or by having anotheroperating room person adjust the image for the surgeon. The sterilefield is properly protected from contamination by use of the sterileenclosure 12 which is placed over the monitor module 30.

In accordance with the invention and method described above, numerousproblems associated with the use of video equipment in endoscopicprocedures can be overcome. Since the sterile encapsulated endoscopicvideo monitor provides a means by which a surgeon may convenientlyposition a video image of the surgical site in visual alignment with thesurgical area, the surgeon's ability to properly manipulate an endoscopeis greatly enhanced. Also, surgeon fatigue will be minimized bypreventing the surgeon from conducting a surgical procedure in astrained position. That is, since the surgeon does not have to look awayfrom the surgical area to view the monitor module, the surgeon may be ina more natural position.

Since the monitor module contained within the sterile enclosure is smalland lightweight, and also has integral switches for controlling the typeof image viewed, the surgeon may easily adjust the type of image to beviewed as well as position the monitor module with a minimum amount ofdisruption during a surgical procedure. By the use of the sterileenclosure which completely encloses the monitor module and anyassociated cables, the encapsulated video monitor may be placed withinthe sterile field of the operating room; however, sterility is notsacrificed at the cost of achieving improved imaging of the surgicalarea.

If the surgeon is required to make an additional incision and operate onthe patient at another surgical area, the encapsulated endoscopic videomonitor may be easily moved to a new location and be visually aligned.

The use of a vacuum line allows the sterile enclosure to be tightly heldagainst the monitor module. The air vent filter and the vacuum line incombination may be thought of as a means for cooling the interior openspace within the sterile enclosure. This cooling means can be adjustedas necessary to allow greater or lesser cooling depending upon the sizeand number of air vent filters used and the rate at which air is allowedto flow through the interior open space.

This invention has been described in detail with reference to particularembodiments thereof, but it will be understood that various othermodifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sterile enclosure for encapsulating anendoscopic video monitor therein comprising:a sterile enclosure made ofa material substantially impervious to liquid and gas, and an innersurface defining an interior open space for encapsulating the videomonitor therein; a vacuum line connected to said sterile enclosure andin sealing engagement thereto enabling air to be removed from theinterior open space of said sterile enclosure; and an air vent filterconnected to said sterile enclosure and in sealing engagement theretoenabling air to be introduced into the interior open space andpreventing liquids and microorganisms from passing through said air ventfilter, said vacuum line and said air vent filter working together tocool the video monitor by the flow of air through said sterileenclosure.
 2. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further including:acable drape connected to said sterile enclosure and extending awaytherefrom for encapsulating a communication cable of the video monitor.3. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sterile enclosureis made of a flexible material.
 4. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1,wherein said sterile enclosure further includes:a frame enclosing thevideo monitor, said frame including an opening corresponding in size andshape to a viewing screen of the video monitor wherein said sterileenclosure encapsulates the video monitor which is enclosed within saidframe.
 5. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:said sterileenclosure further includes a transparent cover alignable with theviewing screen of the video monitor.
 6. A sterile enclosure forencapsulating an endoscopic video monitor therein for use in a sterilefield of a surgical area comprising:means for enclosing the videomonitor, said enclosing means including an inner surface defining aninterior open space and wherein the video monitor is controllably sealedwithin the interior open space of said enclosing means; and means forselectively cooling the interior open space of said enclosing means,said cooling means being adjustable so that a desired flow of air mayflow through the interior open space and microorganisms and liquids areprevented from passing through said cooling means.
 7. An apparatus, asclaimed in claim 6, further including:means for covering a communicationcable attached to the video monitor, said covering means being sealablyconnected to said enclosing means and extending away therefrom and oversaid communication cable.
 8. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 6,wherein said enclosing means includes:a frame for enclosing the videomonitor therein, said frame including an opening corresponding in sizeand shape to said viewing screen of the video monitor; and sealingmaterial covering said frame and said opening for completely sealing thevideo monitor therein.
 9. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 6, whereinsaid enclosing means includes:a frame enclosing and sealing the videomonitor therein, said frame including a transparent cover positionedover said viewing screen of said video monitor.
 10. An apparatus, asclaimed in claim 6, wherein:said enclosing means includes asubstantially transparent and flexible body wherein said cooling meansis adjustable so that said flexible body may be held tightly against thevideo monitor to minimize distortion of images viewed on said viewingscreen.
 11. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 10, wherein:an opening isformed on said flexible body and a transparent cover is placed over saidopening and in sealing engagement with said flexible body and alignablewith the viewing screen of said video monitor.
 12. A sterile enclosurefor encapsulating an endoscopic video monitor having a viewing screentherein comprising:a rigid sterile enclosure made of substantiallyliquid and gas impervious material for completely encapsulating thevideo monitor therein and being transparent at least in an area wherethe viewing screen is located; a vacuum line connected to said rigidsterile enclosure in sealing engagement thereto enabling air to beremoved from within said rigid sterile enclosure; and an air vent filterconnected to said rigid sterile enclosure and in sealing engagementthereto enabling air to be introduced into said rigid sterile enclosureand preventing liquids and microorganisms from passing through said airvent filter, said vacuum line and said air vent filter working togetherto cool the video monitor by the flow of air through said rigid sterileenclosure.
 13. A method of cooling a video monitor within a sterileenclosure comprising the steps of:providing a video monitor encapsulatedwithin a sterile enclosure; attaching a vacuum line to the sterileenclosure; attaching an air vent filter to the sterile enclosure;drawing a vacuum on the interior open space within the sterile enclosureby a vacuum source placed in communication with the vacuum line;creating a flow of air through the interior open space by air passingthrough the air vent filter, through the interior open space, and intothe vacuum line.
 14. A method, as claimed in claim 13, further includingthe step of:preventing the passage of microorganisms and othercontaminants from passing back through the interior open space via theair vent filter to the exterior of the sterile enclosure which couldotherwise contaminate the sterile field surrounding the sterileenclosure.